Capital eateries ranked among best at UK awards

A TRIO of city eateries have been named among the UK’s top 100 at the National Restaurant Awards.

The Kitchin, in Commercial Street, topped the Capital entries in 32nd position while Restaurant Martin Wishart on the Shore placed 51st.

And Mark Greenaway’s hot spot in North Castle Street broke into the top 100 for the first time, ranking 81st.

The Great British Menu chef and Evening News columnist, right, first opened to critical acclaim in 2011 on Picardy Place before moving new city centre premises.

Only seven Scottish eateries secured a listing in the prestigious Restaurant Magazines UK Top 100 for 2014 that is voted on by 150 food industry experts. Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles was the top placed Scottish establishment in 20th.

Speaking about the honour, Mark Greenaway said: “Being voted into the top 100 in the UK is a great accolade, especially as it comes from such highly respected industry individuals.

“The first six months of 2014 have been great for us, as our 3AA Rosettes were also reinstated after our move from Picardy Place.

“I am looking forward to what the next six months will bring.

“It is also great to see an increase in the number of Scottish restaurants making it into the top 100.”

Mr Greenaway said the gong was “testament to all the hard work” his team had put in “which includes both kitchen and front of house”.

He added: “I am delighted for them, as they fully deserve to be seen as one of the finest dining establishments in the UK. It is great to see them rewarded and gives us a perfect platform to continue building on.”

Manuela Calchini, regional director for VisitScotland, said she was “extremely proud” of the Capital’s food and drink offering.

She said: “Our coveted Quality Assurance schemes are replicated in other parts of the globe and last year we introduced the Taste Our Best scheme which recognises establishments who are committed to serving up fresh, local Scottish produce.

“The next themed year will see a concentrated, promotion of food and drink as we work even more closely with the relevant tourism businesses to highlight this important part of the visitor experience, so it’s an excellent time for restaurants in Edinburgh and Scotland to shine.”

This year, London’s Gymkhana became the first ever Indian restaurant to take top spot, with last year’s winner, The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, coming fourth.